As the 8th largest country in the world, Argentina is vast and varied. In just one country, there are towering glaciers, colorful cities, serene vineyards, snow-capped mountains, and humid jungles. Argentina's cultural heritage is just as diverse, from the European vibes of Buenos Aires to Germanic towns like Bariloche. With so much to see and do, visitors may find themselves breathing in the mist from thundering Iguazu Falls, learning to tango in Buenos Aires, and hiking on glaciers all in one trip, making it easy to see why Argentina is such a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the very best places this wonderful country has to offer!
10 Iguazu Falls
Spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iguazu Falls is easily one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. A series of trails and boardwalks will guide visitors through Argentina’s Parque Nacional Iguazú, which boasts impressive panoramic views of the falls and both the Argentine and Brazilian rainforests. The Devil's Throat enables visitors to get up close and personal with the falls and is a highlight of the Argentinian side. For those with extra time around Iguazu Falls, an easy border crossing into Brazil allows for more spectacular views of these beautiful falls.
9 Perito Moreno Glacier
Another incredible natural wonder in Argentina is the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. A series of boardwalks leads visitors down close to this massive wall of ice, where you can admire the icebergs that float on the lake below. Every few minutes, chunks of ice fall from the glacier and crash down into the lake like thunder. One of the most unique things to do at Perito Moreno is to hike onto the glacier. Hikers get incredible icy views and can see the cracks in the glacier's top, and even drink whiskey on the rocks (from the glacier itself!).
8 Mendoza
For a slower and more relaxed few days, head over to beautiful Mendoza. The city itself is filled with art deco architecture, museums, and a charming Central Market (Mercado Central). Many visitors come to Mendoza in winter for skiing in the Parque Provincial Cerro Aconcagua, which is home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the Western hemisphere, including Cerro Aconcagua (6,962 meters). Summer visitors flock to the vineyards and wineries dotted around the region, where some of the best wine in South America is produced.
7 El Chalten
For avid hikers, a visit to El Chalten is a must when visiting Argentina. The northern portion of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares has some of the most breathtaking mountain peaks in all of South America, and one of the most famous is Monte Fitz Roy. The picture-perfect village of El Chalten is a perfect base for day hikes into the mountains and is a destination all in itself with cute little cafes and bars to relax in after a hard day hiking!
6 Ushuaia
At the very southern tip of Argentina lies the colorful city of Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and known as 'The End of the World' as it is the world's most southern city. It is a wonderful base for wildlife-spotting boat trips along the Beagle Channel or for exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park. Ushuaia is surrounded by a unique landscape of mountains, sea, glaciers, and woods, making it a memorable stop on any trip to Argentina.
5 Buenos Aires
Known as 'The Paris of South America', the Argentine capital is a stunning European-looking city with a Latin American vibe. Plaza de Mayo is at the heart of the city center and is home is the Catedral Metropolitana and the iconic Casa Rosada. No visit would be complete without seeing the colorful buildings in La Boca, where tango dancers fill the streets, Recoleta Cemetery with its elaborate mausoleums, or classy Palermo with its European-style cafes and bars spilling out onto the streets; for adventurous visitors, it is also possible to visit Colonia or Montevideo in Uruguay by ferry from Buenos Aires.
4 Tigre
Just 20 miles north of Buenos Aires lies the serene Tigre and its wonderful river delta. This peaceful spot is a perfect day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Here you can visit the Puerto de Frutos local market or get a boat along the delta to see the traditional homes on the river banks.
3 Salta
The biggest city in northern Argentina, Salta, is surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of the Andes. The beautiful central plaza in the heart of the city is a perfect place to start exploring before heading to the Cathedral and the Iglesia San Francisco, and the anthropology museum Museo de Antropologia de Alta Montaña to see some real mummies. For an incredible view over the city, visitors can get the teleférico to the top of Cerro San Bernardo.
2 Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche is a wonderful region to visit in summer or winter. Skiiers flock to Bariloche in the winter for nearby Cerro Catedral, a popular ski resort set high in the mountains with incredible views over Nahuel Huapi National Park. Summer visitors come for hiking, rafting, cycling, and climbing, and a driving circuit known as the Route of the Seven Lakes snakes around the alpine lakes of Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Escondido, Falkner, Villarino, Correntoso, and Machónico in Patagonia's Lake District.
1 Tierra del Fuego National Park
Another of Argentina's must-see national parks is Tierra del Fuego. With miles of hiking trails spanning dense forests, waterfalls, glacier-fed lakes, and mountains, there are hikes suitable for all levels. One of the most popular routes is the coastal path of Senda Costera, which offers incredible coastal views and the opportunity to spot wildlife like the Andean condors.